The Republican Party is one of the two major political parties in the United States, the other being the Democratic Party. The party was founded in 1854 as a coalition of anti-slavery activists, economic modernizers, and ex-Whigs. The party's central ideology is conservatism, which emphasizes limited government, individual liberty, free markets, and traditional values.
The Republican Party is often associated with a strong national defense, low taxes, and support for business interests. The party has traditionally been strong in rural and suburban areas, and among white, older, and more affluent voters. The party has also been traditionally strong in the Midwest and the West, and has had a stronghold in the South since the 1970s.
The Republican Party has produced several notable figures throughout its history, including Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, Ronald Reagan, and George W. Bush. The party has held the presidency for a total of 53 years since its founding, with the most recent Republican president being Donald Trump who served from 2017-2021.